​Our Integrative Medicine Experts

Dr. Ronald Glick is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He serves as the Medical Director for the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine. His practice is focused on integrative management of chronic conditions which have not responded completely to traditional western approaches, particularly around pain management and mental health disorders.

Dr. Neal Ryan is director of the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine and the Joaquim Puig-Antich Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Professor of Clinical and Translational Neuroscience. Dr. Ryan's clinical and research work has involved the study of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety in children and adolescents, and chronic disorders in which stress and environmental factors play an important role. He also has a strong background in medical education.

Dr. Carol Greco is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine and Health and Rehabilitation Science. She has more than 25 years of clinical and research experience at the University of Pittsburgh. Her areas of research include Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), psychological approaches to pain management, mind-body and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches to health and disease, and developing patient-reported measures of the nonspecific, contextual factors in treatment that can promote healing. Dr. Greco is a licensed psychologist whose clinical work focuses on mindfulness meditation and behavioral medicine approaches to pain and stress management. She is a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor and has taught the Center's MBSR program for over 13 years. Dr. Greco directs the Center’s mindfulness programs, including a new professional training in mindfulness teaching: MBSR Fundamentals.

Dr. Sari Cohen obtained her doctorate in naturopathy from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005. She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with an undergraduate degree in Hebrew and Judaic Studies. Dr. Cohen provides naturopathic care at the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine in Shadyside, Pennsylvania to people of all ages with both acute and chronic diseases. The naturopathic modalities used include nutrition, botanical medicine, and nutritional supplementation along with lifestyle counseling. She is currently secretary of the PANP: the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Cohen has also held positions as an adjunct professor in the Integrative Health Studies at Chatham University, in Pittsburgh, and as a technical adviser and consultant at Nutritional Frontiers. She is the author of an article, "Melatonin, Menstruation and the Moon," that was published in The Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients.

Dinnie Goldring, LCSWMindfulness Instructor

Dinnie Goldring leads the Mindfulness-Based Anxiety Reduction Program at the Center. Dinnie has been leading the MBAR group for over a decade and draws from her experience as an experienced meditator and psychotherapist in leading the group. In addition to her work at the Center, Ms. Goldring has a private psychotherapy practice where she specializes in working with women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, living with an auto-immune disorder and other chronic illness, as well as working with general anxiety, depression, and issues related to life-cycle transitions. She also provides trainings for therapists working in the perinatal period and leads consultation groups for therapists as well. Ms. Goldring's work reflects a holistic perspective, incorporating mind, body, and spirit, as well as her training as a Gestalt therapist and past profession as a midwife.

Deborah Grice Conway, PhDPsychotherapist

Dr. Deborah Grice Conway has more than 30 years of clinical experience as a psychotherapist, treating depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and health conditions exacerbated by stress. Her work is based on a holistic perspective that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit, and focuses on the client's strengths. Treatment specialties include medical hypnosis, cardiac coherence biofeedback, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and mindfulness techniques. In addition to her work at the Center, Dr. Conway is a Clinical Instructor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, a Professor of Psychology at the Community College of Allegheny County, and an adjunct faculty member in Chatham University’s Integrative Health Sciences program, where she teaches Mind-Body Medicine. She is a core faculty member and meditation instructor at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY.

Services available through Dr. Conway and the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine may be covered by insurance plans. Please call for more information.

Kerry’s ethos as a health professional is that health is NOT one size fits all. Each of us is unique, and as such require individualized treatment. Her philosophy on health and medicine began when, as part of her graduate studies, she observed the effects of environmental toxins on human health — toxins which left patients with a myriad of symptoms that didn’t have a specific diagnosis. She has since dedicated her life to developing an integrative approach to medicine that combines the individualized approach of Ayurveda with the benefits of modern technology, such as genetics. By combining the wisdom of eastern medicine with the breakthroughs of western technology, she is able to create wellness plans for her patients that are personalized down to the molecular level.

Kerry has a B.S. in Neuroscience, a Masters in Education, and has studied at The Kripalu School For Ayurveda and the world renowned Ayurveda Institute. She is the CEO of The Holistic Highway, where she helps her clients achieve optimal health through customized health services and programs. She also has a practice at The University Of Pittsburgh’s Center For Integrative Medicine, runs the Ayurveda Sanctuary nationally, is a registered practitioner with the National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA), member of Yoga Alliance, and the owner of the TEDx Talk, "Context Is Everything."

Dr. Karl Holtzer is a pediatrician by training, who sees children and young adults. He has a master’s degree in nutrition and specializes in functional medicine, which offers a unique approach to the management of individuals with chronic health problems. He is an Institute For Functional Medicine—Certified Practitioner, reflecting his expertise in this area. He appreciates the opportunity to dig deeper and identify root causes. His approach centers on helping people make changes in their diet and health behaviors. Dr. Holtzer utilizes advanced laboratory testing to help him with his diagnosis and treatment plans. He does not function as a primary care physician, but works in a collaborative and consultative capacity.

Barbara has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for more than 20 years, and has been teaching MBSR since 2012. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University in 1994 and has a post-graduate certificate in East/West Psychology. She is also a 200-hour yoga instructor. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness in her approach with clients affected by depression, anxiety, ADD, addiction, grief and loss, stress and trauma. Barbara helps her clients uncover the strength and goodness within themselves while teaching skills that allow them to live a life that feels meaningful, capable, and content.

Services available through Barbara and the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine may be covered by insurance plans. Please call for more information.

Brittany Kail, BSBAAdministrative Manager

Brittany Kail has over 15 years of customer service and management experience which includes 8 years working as an Office Manager for Mercy Behavioral Health, managing their busiest outpatient site. At the Center for Integrative Medicine, she is the Administrative Manager, directing a program of over 25 staff members.

John Laird, NDNaturopathic Doctor

Dr. John Laird provides services in naturopathic counseling. He received a degree in anthropology at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Laird is a graduate of the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine in Seattle, Washington, and completed an internship at the Government College of Ayurvedic Medicine in Mysore, India. He has had over 30 years of experience as a naturopathic physician. He is an Associate Professor at Chatham University teaching in the physician assistant program.

Jessie Violet Larson, LMTLicensed Medical Massage Therapist

Jessie Violet Larson is a licensed medical massage therapist with advanced training in anatomy and pathology. She is a graduate of the Advanced Medical Program at the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy. She enthusiastically continues her lifelong path of education with a focus on better assisting those living with cancer. In her travels, she has studied healing therapies from around the world which she incorporates into every massage session to individually suit each client. Ms. Larson is a dedicated therapist and Reiki Master who brings with her years of experience and a love for her work.

David has been helping people resolve chronic pain, recover from surgery, and improve their physical/athletic performance and capabilities for over 25 years.

He uses an array of approaches that target the fascia and the myofascial system including Anatomy Trains Structural Integration, Fascial Stretch Therapy, and visceral manipulation. David’s focus is to help you meet your health goals within a reasonable number of treatments.

David is also the author of the international bestseller, FascIa: What it is and Why it Matters (Handspring Publishing 2017). He lectures and teaches about fascia worldwide.

Khara Lucius completed her B.S. degree in Biological Sciences at Ohio University, then went on to earn her doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005. She then started a general naturopathic medical practice in Manchester, New Hampshire, and also spent three years on staff at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. She went on to join the staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in 2011, where she spent 7 years focusing on integrative oncology care. She is a past board member of both the New Hampshire Board of Naturopathic Examiners and the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Her publications include “Integrative Therapies and Cardiovascular Disease in the Breast Cancer Population: A Review, Parts 1 & 2”, and “Combining Immunotherapy and Natural Immune Stimulants: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications”. She enjoys assisting people with botanical medicine, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements.

Daniel Shawn Miller, DCChiropractor

Dr. Daniel Shawn Miller provides chiropractic services. He received his doctor of chiropractic degree at Palmer College and has been practicing for more than 20 years. He is a specialist in the use of Gonstead Technique, an instrument guided approach to chiropractic diagnosis and treatment. He has served as chiropractor in a University of Pittsburgh research study on chiropractic treatment for acute low back pain.

Angie Phares, PAIntegrative Health Coach

Angie is a certified Integrative Health Coach from Duke University, and is also trained as a Physician Assistant and Yoga Instructor. By partnering with patients as a Health Coach, she motivates and supports health behavior change through a structured process involving inquiry, personal discovery and accountability. Health Coaching is not just about physical well-being or lab results, it is about the whole person: values, goals, work, relationships, fulfillment and life purpose.

Luann Scarton, MS, RDN, LDN, CLTIntegrative Dietitian Nutritionist

LuAnn Scarton is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with 25 years of experience working in the field of nutrition. She received a BS in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. She is a Certified LEAP therapist.

LuAnn is passionate about using a combination of conventional and functional nutrition/medicine approaches to address the root cause of nutrition related aspects of disease. She has experience counseling a variety of ages and chronic conditions such as cardiometabolic, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune disease.

Kate ShermanShiatsu Practitioner

Kate Sherman provides Shiatsu treatments and teaches classes on Shiatsu and energetic wellness at the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine. Shiatsu developed in Japan and stems from ancient Chinese Medicine. Kate studied at the Center for Integrative Medicine and she continues to study Master Level courses in Shiatsu. She has earned a Master’s degree from Chatham University in Counseling Psychology and is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. Kate has been providing integrative health care at UPMC since 2012.

Erin Simon, CMT, LLCMassage Therapist

Erin Simon has practiced therapeutic massage since 1992. Her main focus and passion is Lymph Drainage Therapy and education for lymphedema management. Erin also has advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy in both Upledger and Biodynamic techniques. Erin is educated in a number of other modalities as well; including Pregnancy and Post-Partum Massage, Healing Stone Massage*, Dolphin Micro-Current Point Stimulation, Kinesiotape, and Swedish. Erin brings a unique blend of therapies, given her background as a dancer and athlete and her commitment to helping each individual achieve their best health to each session.

*Not available at this location

Tricia Smith, Lac, MAcAcupuncturist

Tricia Smith provides acupuncture at the Center for Integrative Medicine. She typically works with pain management, but sees patients for a wide variety of health concerns. Special areas of interest are fibromyalgia, neuropathy and Bell's Palsy. Tricia specializes in using acupuncture techniques to release myofascial trigger points and is an ongoing student of Dr. Richard Tan's Balance Method of Acupuncture. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Acupuncture from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She is board-certified in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

EngKeat is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), a three year master's program and one of the oldest schools of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the United States. EngKeat's post-graduate studies include completing a four month internship at the China Academy for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China and serving a fellowship as the team acupuncturist for the men's and women's crew team at Boston University. EngKeat has also worked as a research associate at Harvard Medical School consulting on psychiatric and acupuncture/fMRI studies. His other post-graduate interests include functional nutrition, yoga, and tai chi. EngKeat practices Tan's Balance Method and Battlefield Acupuncture, powerful yet minimal needling techniques that improves pain instantaneously.

She has a Master Degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, Ms Walczak has received comprehensive training in Yoga Science from Himalayan Institute that covered: asanas, psychology, philosophy, anatomy, life style, nutrition, and meditation. Within the last 2 years she completed special training in Advance Sadhana at the Himalayan Institute which qualifies her to offer yoga therapy to patients.

Ms Walczak also provides advanced yoga instructions at the Center for Integrative Medicine.

Jonathan WilsonTai Chi Instructor

Jon is the Assistant Instructor at Steel Dragon Martial Arts in Lawrenceville. He also teaches an after-school Kung Fu program at Reserve Primary School in Shaler, as well as ongoing Tai Chi classes at Shepherd Wellness in Bloomfield, and community-centered classes in Edgewood.